One hundred days have passed since the tragic and mysterious death of Victor Effion Johannes Onie-Williams, a beloved son, friend, and rising star in Sierra Leone’s fashion and entertainment industries. Yet, the circumstances surrounding his death remain shrouded in uncertainty, leaving his grieving family, particularly his mother, Mrs. Ebidu Onie-Williams, in a state of anguish and frustration. As questions linger and justice remains elusive, the case has sparked public outcry and raised serious concerns about the integrity of Sierra Leone’s justice system.
For lawyer U’mah Bangura, a close friend of Onie, the pain of his loss is immeasurable. In a heartfelt tribute, she wrote, “Victor Effion Johannes Onie-Williams was a star whose light shone brightly in every room he entered. At just 30 years old, he had already touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. A young man of immense promise, his journey was one of constant reinvention and growth… Onie, our ever-smiling, joyful, and handsome friend, your light will never fade. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Though we wish we had more time with you, we are grateful for the gift of your presence in our lives. Forever young, Effion.”
A City Mourns a Bright Light
The Mayor of Freetown, Her Worship Yvonne Aki-Sawyer, paid tribute to Onie during a civic laying-out ceremony at the Freetown City Council Building, describing him as a beacon of light and goodness. “Late Victor Onie Williams was an example of a good son with a short but well-lived life. His death I cannot comprehend. He is gone from our hands but with us in love and in spirit. To the family, I want you to know that Onie is gone but never forgotten. May mother earth be gentle with his soul and may life perpetual shine upon him. Amen!” Onie’s death has left a void in the hearts of many, but for his family, the unresolved questions surrounding his passing intensify their grief.
A Troubled Investigation
Mrs. Mrs Ebidu Onie Williams has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the handling of her son’s case by the Sierra Leone Police and the justice system. According to her, the decision to grant bail to Richie Obama, a popular comedian, and others allegedly involved, on the grounds of insufficient evidence, is a travesty of justice. She outlined several concerns, insisting there is clear evidence that her son was at Richie Obama’s home before being rushed to Rokupa Government Hospital, yet this has not been acted upon. The postmortem, which reportedly showed signs of strangulation and blunt force trauma, should, in her view, have been sufficient to warrant prosecution.
Mrs. Onie-Williams’ frustration stems from what she perceives as a miscarriage of justice. According to her, there is compelling evidence that should have led to a prosecution, including the fact that her son was at Richie Obama’s residence before being rushed to Rokupa Government Hospital, and the postmortem results, which reportedly indicated strangulation and blunt force trauma. She also revealed that her husband observed fingernail marks on Onie’s neck when the body was taken to Dr. Owizz for the postmortem examination.
Further compounding the family’s frustration, the investigation has been marred by inefficiencies and a lack of transparency. The family submitted Onie’s phone to the Cyber Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), but the unit was unable to access the information. It was only through the family’s efforts, with the help of their lawyers, that the phone’s contents were retrieved, transferred to a USB stick, and submitted to the police. Despite this, the police still claimed there was insufficient evidence.
Mrs. Onie-Williams revealed that the police promised to continue the investigation after Richie Obama and others were released on bail but have failed to provide any updates. The police reportedly sought legal advice from the Law Officer’s Department on whether to prosecute the case, but the family has not been informed of the outcome. Adding to their distress, the family’s attempts to meet with the Head of CID to understand the claim of insufficient evidence were thwarted when the official was unavailable, despite the family spending an entire day at CID. The very next day, the accused were granted bail.
Richie Obama’s Statement
Richie Obama, a well-known comedian and one of the individuals initially implicated in the case, has publicly denied any wrongdoing. In a statement titled “In Honour of Brother Onie, Setting the Records Straight to the Best of My Knowledge,” he provided his account of the events:
“The loss of my dear friend, Victor Onie Williams, is a heartbreaking tragedy that has deeply affected me and many others who loved him… On the day of the incident, I was not at home. I got to know that the late Victor had passed by to pay me a visit. I wasn’t at home as I was away for work. My neighbor called to inform me that Onie, a dear friend, had collapsed outside my house while waiting outside my home… My house was locked at the time, and Onie did not enter it at any point… Upon receiving this distressing news, I immediately headed to Rokupa Government Hospital, where I was also told that he was rushed to. When I arrived, I was informed that Onie had been brought in deceased and that his body was already in the mortuary… In light of public interest, I fully support the conduct of an autopsy to determine the cause of Onie’s death, and I urge that the findings be made public. I also welcome any thorough investigation into the matter to uncover the truth and ensure clarity for everyone affected. I am committed to cooperating fully with any inquiries to vindicate myself and provide closure to Onie’s family and loved ones.”
A Call for Justice
The inconsistencies in the investigation, the lack of transparency, and the failure to prosecute have left Onie’s family and supporters questioning whether justice will ever be served. Mrs. Onie-Williams’ lawyer, Mr. Yillah, has promised to provide further details on the steps the family has taken and their plans moving forward, though the road ahead remains uncertain.
Inspector Foday of the Homicide Unit at CID, who initially began the investigation, referred inquiries to the current Line Manager overseeing the case. However, attempts to reach the Line Manager have so far been unsuccessful.
As the nation mourns the loss of a young man described by many as a “shining star,” the unresolved questions surrounding Victor Onie Williams’ death serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by families seeking justice in Sierra Leone. For Mrs. Onie-Williams, the fight is not just for her son, but for every mother who has lost a child and been left with only memories and pain.
The mystery surrounding Victor Onie Williams’ death remains unresolved, but his mother’s cry for justice echoes loudly across the nation, demanding answers, accountability, and closure.